'Another race the following spring supplies;
They fall successive, and successive rise;
So generations in their course decay;
So flourish these, when those have passed away.'

It is common to apply to this continent the term 'New World', when the
traditions of the Narragansetts lead into the remote past, and commingle
with another race proceeding them, and all is dim, obscure, and uncertain.
The stranger, visiting Pawtucket, will learn either from tradition, or
find in relics, a confirmation of an ancient occupation of its territory.
Not only are the utensils of peaceful industry scattered beneath
the surface, and often exhumed by the plowshare, but the weapons of war,
fashioned with exquisite skill, and giving evidence of European invasion,
are likewise upturned, and gathered and preserved as souvenirs of a time
when the fierce and wild aborigines roamed over its wooded hills and dales,
and were hostile to the early pioneer. Nowhere, better than in the
historical record of that self-same land could come the answer to the oft-repeated
question, 'Whence came those old relics, curious in formation, and those
ancient weapons, wrought with such dexterous skill?'

There is always a certain pleasure derived from the study of home history,
and a certain degree of interest is felt by the reader, be that history
traditional or official. Even a name, however humble or obscure,
often revives some pleasing recollection, and an incident, however trivial
in its character, may awaken some slumbering impulse and recall to mind
a train of many pleasant reminiscences. From the most ancient times
tradition has been intrusted with the greater portion of individual and
national history. The same causes have conspired to prevent a more
reliable and permanent record in all times; the captious criticism, the
lack of education, the inappreciation of the future value of the common
and ordinary affairs of life, and, most of all, the sense of responsibility
which but few of us care to assume.

Around the old-cherished hearthstone, with its great open fire-place
shedding its lurid light across the spacious, though sparsely furnished
room, like some dim spectre in the ages past; the aged, on many a cold
and wintry night, have gathered their descendants with listening ear and
anxious heart, and have loved to recount to them the trials, the hardships,
and the adventures of a backwoodsman's early life.

But all of these have perished, and their knowledge with them.
The compiler of fragmentary history is impressed with the conviction of
imperfection connected with memories thus handed down from parent to child,
but regards it all the more essential, that what is yet extant should be
gleaned and preserved in some imperishable form. What matters it
to the native of Pawtucket, the early settlement at Jamestown, or the landing
of the Pilgrims, in comparison with the pioneers of his own township, and
a knowledge of localities and of the actors in events, now growing more
remote, dim and shadowy?

Long before the advent of Roger Williams and his colony, the Narragansetts
lived and roamed with savage independence over her wooded hills, through
her verdant valleys, and along the banks of her crystal streams.
These, and adjacent tribes, formed a numerous and powerful people, and
had permanent villages in various parts of this eastern territory, and,
jealous of their rights, looked with distrust upon the innovations of those
early pioneers who had fled from European despotism to work out for themselves
homes in these rude wilds, where their anthems and praises might arise
to the one God, untrammelled by the decrees of 'God-ordained kings.'
Small tracts of land were cleared of their dense forest-growth, - fields,
cultivated for the growing of those products barely necessary for sustenance;
and thus the early pioneer commenced his settlement, the accomplishment
of which was not unattended with the endurance of many hardships.
Their wild and untutored neighbors often invaded their fields and villages,
destroying the products of the former, and laying in ashes the latter.
Among the primitive forest-trees, were the walnut, oak, and wild-chestnut.
Narrow trails, in use from time immemorial, led along dense jungles bordering
upon swamps, and over the uplands, from village to village, and nation
to nation.

But a very different landscape, to-day, greets the eye of the visitor
as he traverses this locality. Fringes of the old forest alternate
with well-cultivated fields, fine orchards, good dwellings, extensive manufactures;
and there is seen the beauty of civilization, in marked contrast with the
primitive grandeur and repose known to the early settler. While we
indulge regret for Indian wrongs, we often shudder at the rehearsal of
their atrocious crimes, and the practice of their savage barbarities.
Time could not abate their malice, nor friendship deter them from the revenge
of some real or fancied injury. But the red rulers of the shade,
and the races they governed, yielded to manifest destiny, and have passed
away forever, and with their timely exit we commence the history of the
white settlements of Pawtucket.

Early settlers.
The desire to better their condition is universal with the human race.
While courage, endurance, and ability are combined, the result, in the
main, is always success. The hardy pioneer, seeking a new home, usually
avails himself of every natural advantage, and as the town possessed these
natural features in abundance, it attracted the attention of many of the
early pioneers. Tradition says that Joseph Jencks settled in the
neighborhood of Pawtucket Falls, about the year 1655. He was a native
of England, having been born in Buckinghamshire in the year 1632.
He came to America in 1645, and resided with his father, who had preceded
him, and settled in Lynn, Mass. Remaining with his father, who was
engaged in the manufacture of iron, until about the year 1655, he removed
to Pawtucket, and also engaged in the iron manufacture, he being a blacksmith
by trade. His half-brother Daniel, born at Lynn in 1663, also removed
into Cumberland, an adjoining settlement, and from him have sprung the
numerous Jenckses in that locality.

Mr. Joseph Jencks, the founder of Pawtucket, soon after coming into
this region, purchased a sixty-acre lot of Ezekiel Holliman, an early associate
of Roger Williams. He immediately set about building a forge, preparatory
to engaging in his vocation of blacksmithing. His forge was erected
a little below the west end of the present granite bridge. Here,
in this deep cavity, for two hundred years, stood a forge-shop, until it
was removed to give place to the huge water-wheels of the present cotton-mill.
Here this pioneer, with no one but the rude natives of the forest for neighbors,
plied his vocation, and the products of his skill found a market in Providence
and the surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Jencks had four sons, named
Joseph, Nathaniel, Ebenezer, and William, all of whom followed the business
of their father. For twenty years or more, affairs went on smoothly;
new emigrants were constantly arriving and settling throughout the neighborhood.
The virgin forests were being invaded upon every hand; clearings cultivated
and planted to those products best suited to their immediate wants.
The smoke from many a cabin rose in graceful curls heavenward, and domestic
joys were gladdening the humble firesides of these early settlers.

But dark and foreboding clouds soon began to gather along the horizon
of the sky, and a storm was about to break over these almost defenceless
settlements. The red men began to look with distrust upon the rapid
influx of these white settlers. They had beheld, with jealous eye,
the steady growth of the English, and fearing that their hunting-grounds
would soon be wrested from them, they began to meet the pale faces with
scowling brows, and it only needed a leader to arouse their savage natures,
and combine their efforts to hurl a thunderbolt on the intruders.
Philip of Pokanoket began his machinations, and soon the storm burst, with
all its gigantic fury, upon the early settlements. In 1675, the war
commenced, and desolation and ruin marked the spot where once stood the
peaceful home, and the mechanic's blazing forge.

In 1676, one of the most tragic scenes occurred. For a long time,
roving bands of Indians had harassed the settlements, and disturbed their
security, both in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The torch was applied
to many a happy home, and ruin marked scores of habitations. At last,
Captain Pierce of Scituate, with a force of sixty-three Englishmen, and
twenty friendly Indians, from Cape Cod, was ordered to follow the Indians,
and to put a stop to their lawless depredations. He started with
his little band, reaching Seekonk on the 24th of March. Marching
up the river, he soon fell into an ambush, and a desperate struggle ensued.
The heavy growth of forest that overhung the banks of the Blackstone River,
formed a safe retreat for the Indians, and here they closed around the
little band, and, as the shadows of evening fell, they enshrouded the lifeless
forms of almost all of that little army. This contest occurred on
the banks of the river, between Pawtucket and Valley Falls. Pawtucket,
at the close of this struggle, was a lonelier spot even than when Roger
Williams first began his early settlement. The effect of such a tragical
contest could have had naught but a disastrous influence upon these feeble
settlements, and the gravest alarm seized upon the hearts of the people,
and they fled for refuge to the Island of Rhode Island.

After a few months, however, the dark clouds of adversity began lifting,
and the dawning of a better day was at hand. Philip was soon after
killed, his warriors slain, captured, or scattered, and peace and security
once more returned. Mr. Jencks returns and rebuilds his forge, the
woodcutters and charcoal-burners resume their industry. The tillers
of the soil return to plant and sow, and a renewed activity pervades every
department of human industry.

The Jencks family was influential in the political affairs of the Colony,
as well as in business. The elder Jencks bore the title of assistant,
which answers to our lieutenant-governor, or senator; while his son Joseph,
born 1656, became governor of Rhode Island from 1727 to 1732, and died
in the year 1740; he was blind seven years before his death. Nathaniel,
born 1662, bore the title of major, and was a powerful man. In the
writings of Eseck Esten, bearing date of 1813, he says, 'he lifted the
great forge-hammer of five hundred pounds weight, together with seven men
thereon and the handle thereof, one man whereof lifted up under the draw-beam
with all his might to reach against him, a proof of very great strength
indeed.' He died Aug. 12, 1723. Ebenezer was born 1669, and
was a preacher of considerable distinction, and died, 1726. William
was born 1674, and was the first chief justice of the Providence County
court, and died Oct. 2, 1765.

Tradition is not so definite in regard to the other early inhabitants
of this section. Other settlers were evidently allured here, as the
natural advantages of the locality furnished ample employment, not only
to the woodsman, but the artisan as well. One Samuel Smith is represented
in an old deed bearing date 1738, and was doubtless contemporary with the
Jenckses. In 1775, we find Captain Stephen Jencks manufacturing muskets
in Pawtucket, and in 1770, Ephraim Starkweather settled in the hamlet on
the east side of the river, and purchased a potash establishment of some
parties from Boston. Mr. Hugh Kennedy began the manufacture of linseed
oil about the year 1750; and also, about that time, one Sylvester Bowers,
a ship-carpenter, moved to Pawtucket and engaged in the business of ship-building.
Mr. Wilkinson removed from Smithfield in 1783, and settled in Pawtucket.
His family consisted of five sons and four daughters. Their names
were Lucy, Abraham and Isaac (twins), David, Hannah, Daniel, Mercy, Smith,
and Lydia. Lucy married Timothy Greene; Hannah married Samuel Slater;
Mercy married William Wilkinson of Providence, a race originating in Connecticut;
and Lydia married Hezekiah Howe. The father and sons were blacksmiths
by trade, and plied their vocation as workers in iron. They occupied
part of the buildings located on the old coal-lot, and engaged in the manufacture
of anchors. From their shop were sent out some of the largest anchors
then manufactured in the country. On this old ground, commonly called
the coal-yard, the Wilkinsons made large bed-screws and cannons.
They were the first in the world to cast cannons solid, they being bored
out by water-power. Mr. Wilkinson, also, at this early date manufactured
nails, and it is said that he anticipated every manufacture of this article
in the world. Later, when the new era in the industries of the town
commenced, they were engaged extensively in the manufacture of cotton-mill
machinery, and to them is due the credit of inventing many valuable machines.
The Wilkinsons were long household names in Pawtucket, and to their activity
and enterprise is due much of the present prosperity of the town.
Major Ebenezer Tyler was among the early inhabitants, and was engaged in
active business for many years. A short distance below here was the
machine-shop and dwelling of Sylvanus Brown, father of James S. Brown,
who was the inventor of several cotton-mill machines. Mr. James Weeden
came next, and engaged in the baking business. George Mumford, Barney
Merry, Hezekiah Howe, and George F. Jencks were among the early business
men of the town, and not only gave character to the settlement, but facilitated
progress. Ezekiel Carpenter kept a children's clothier's shop, or
fulling-mill, in what was known as the old cotton-mill, near the western
abutment of the present granite bridge, which was also the place occupied
by Mr. Samuel Slater, in his experiments upon preparations for cotton-spinning.
Near to this was the shop and dwelling of Jabez Jencks, brother of the
ancient Pardon Jencks. Ebenezer Tiffany also occupied a store further
on, near to or in a portion of the ground now occupied by the Messrs. Reed's
building. Adjoining was the store of Josiah Miller, now occupied
by Mr. Tingley. Where now stands the Union Block, was once the store
and dwelling of Moses Jencks; adjoining this was the building erected by
Nathaniel Croade and Otis Tiffany; and it was here that the first post-office
was kept.

On the site now occupied by the Pawtucket Hotel, once stood the dwelling
of Judges William and Jonathan Jencks; next came the house of Mr. Slater,
in which he resided for some years, but subsequently removed to a brick
house adjoining the residence of Samuel Merry, on Pleasant Street.
He afterwards removed to Webster, Mass. George Walker was an early
innkeeper, and the old tavern has since been moved back to make room for
the large bank building, owned by David Lefavor. Next came the old
Cleveland home, noted as being the former residence of Isaac Wilkinson.
It was built by an early inhabitant named Samuel Healy. Erastus Sweeting
and David Carpenter owned dwellings adjoining, which have been removed
to make room for the present Lee Block. These are but a few of the
early places and settlers upon the west side of the river. There
are many others whose names are identified with the growth and prosperity
of the business interests of the town, and whose lives furnish many examples
worthy of emulation.

We pass to a brief review of the early settlers and places upon the
east side of the river. As has already been stated, this portion
of the town has, for nearly two centuries, belonged to the State of Massachusetts.
It was situated in the ancient town of Rehoboth, which was founded by the
Rev. Samuel Newman, about the year 1636 or 1648. He was a native
of England, having been born in Banbury, in 1600. He received his
education at the Oxford University, and became a minister and was settled
over several different churches, before his emigration to New England.
This original settlement was first made by those men belonging to Newman's
company, who were Bucklin, Smith, and Reed. Their original purchase
was bounded westerly by the river, which, in different accounts in those
early times, bore the names of Pawtucket, Blackstone, and Seekonk.
Their purchase extended northerly to the southern line of the town of Attleborough;
easterly for some distance on the Seekonk Plain; and southerly to some
distance below, where now stands the Dunnell Print-works. For about
a century, the descendants of the Bucklins, and the Smiths, and the Reeds
held possession of their ancestral domains; and while the early settlers
on the Rhode Island side were mechanics and tradesmen, those upon the Massachusetts
side were engaged in agricultural pursuits. A company from Boston
came into this section, and purchased of the Smiths a tract of land and
set up a potash establishment, near the river, a little above the falls.
The names of these parties were Stover, Bant, and Bowers. They were
but transient residents, as it has already been remarked that they sold
their establishment to Ephraim Starkweather.

About 1760, Hugh Kennedy settled near the bridge, which was erected
in 1712, a little below the falls. Soon after came Samuel Pitcher,
Joshua Fisher, Eliphalet and Samuel Slack, Ephraim Starkweather, Sylvester
Bowers, Major Nathan Daggett, Sylvanus Wing, and Cyrel Peck. A family
by the name of French, and also one by the name of Robinson, soon after
moved in, and still after the Walcotts, Joseph Smith, and others.
These all engaged in various pursuits, and to their early efforts is due
in a measure the growth and prosperity of Eastern Pawtucket. Hugh
Kennedy's dwelling stood on the site of the present large bank building,
and his premises are now covered with mills, stores, and buildings of various
kinds. He was of Irish descent. The dwelling of John Bucklin
adjoined this one of Mr. Kennedy's, but has long since been demolished.
Mr. Bucklin was the owner of the water-power at the falls, on the east
side. He died in 1795. His son Joseph married a niece of Samuel
and John Slater, and his daughter Ruth married John Slater, brother of
Samuel S. Slater. He afterwards became the founder of the large and
flourishing manufacturing village in Smithfield, which bears the name of
Slatersville. All the parties are now dead.

Samuel Pitcher was a native of Providence; some of his descendants of
the fifth generation are now found residing in the town. Mr. Pitcher
resided here a few years, and then removed to Attleborough, where are found
the graves of the family for several generations. In early life,
Samuel Pitcher married Ruth Bucklin, a daughter of James Bucklin, of the
third generation from the original William Bucklin, a member of the Newman
settlement in Rehoboth. Joshua Fisher was a native of Wrentham, Mass.
He married in early life the young widow of David Bucklin. Her infant
son, David Bucklin, became the well-known citizen to the older inhabitants
of the place, and dwelt for a long time in the old Wing house, the site
of which is now occupied by the mansion of Ellis Pitcher. From a
second marriage descends the widow of the late Squire French. Anna,
of the Fisher children, married Cyrel Brown, whose daughter married the
late John W. Dexter; their descendants are the representatives of this
ancient family.

Eliphalet Slack, more familiarly known as Colonel Slack, was born in
the town of Attleborough, Mass. He was the son of Benjamin Slack,
a deacon in the Congregational church of the town above named. He
had no children, and his estate was mostly devised by himself and wife
to their respective heirs. Samuel, a brother of Colonel Slack, died
at the Landing, in a house owned by Joseph Smith & Co. His representatives
are found in the descendants of his daughters, who married Josiah Miller
and Ezekiel Robinson. Ezekiel G. Robinson, D. D., is the head of
the Baptist Theological Institute, situated at Rochester, N. Y. The
wife of Dr. Whitney, of West Pawtucket, and also of young Dr. Miller of
Pawtucket, are also representatives of his descendants. Ephraim Starkweather,
the father of this family in Pawtucket, was a native of Connecticut, and
a graduate of New Haven College. He was a man of considerable distinction,
and occupied many positions of political honor, both in the town and State,
among which were local magistrate, member of the General Assembly, and
in the governor's council. His son Oliver, and also his grandson
James C., were no less influential in the political affairs of the
town and State, they each holding the same offices. Oliver was one
of the electors of John Q. Adams as President of the United States.
Sylvester Bowers was a ship-carpenter, having removed from Somerset, Mass.
He commenced his business at the Landing, upon the premises now owned by
Joseph Smith & Co. There was a large family of Bowerses, but
they became extinct, and none of them are found in the place at present.
Joseph Smith was a native of Glocester, R. I. He was engaged in an
extensive business, upon ground once occupied by Mr. Bowers. The
business, with much larger facilities, and many important changes, is now
represented by Henry F. Smith and John T. Cottrell, under the firm-name
of Joseph Smith & Co. The first settled minister, of any order,
in this section, was Rev. David Benedict, D. D., to whose historical and
biographical sketches we are largely indebted for the above historical
items. The first settled physician, was Dr. Humphrey. The first
settled lawyer, was Jesse May.

Thus, is briefly reviewed the history of some of the early settlers
in the town of Pawtucket. We have found among their ranks, men that
gave character to the settlement; and the present business enterprises
and manufacturing industries, are but the outgrowth of their persistent
effort and mechanical genius. With increased facilities, and the
many improvements in machinery, Pawtucket is indeed destined to a prosperous
and successful future.

Old Places, Incidents, &c.
The Comstock farm, south and west of the Thornton & Co.'s purchase
(which bounded the Jencks purchase, or the Widow Mowry's place), was in
turn bounded on the south by the Thomas Arnold farm. Moses Brown
of Providence, owned the lands extending to the city. The Scotts,
Bagleys, Comstocks and Estens, were early land owners about Pawtucket.
The Scotts were owners around the Scott Pond. One of the family settled
on what has long been known as the Adam Anthony farm, situated on the old
turnpike to Providence. The Bagley farm contained about three hundred
acres, lying on the east side of the Smithfield road, now known as Lonsdale
Avenue, and north of the present Mineral Spring pike, its eastern boundary
reaching nearly to the present Pine Street. The old homestead portion
of this farm is now occupied by William Binford. Joseph Bagley was
the founder of the name here, and removed from Maine. He died in
the latter part of the last century, as is evidenced from the date of the
settlement of his estate, which occurred in 1790. Eight generations
of this family have in turn occupied this original homestead of Joseph
Bagley.

Dr. Clapp and L. B. Darling have made valuable farms from portions of
the old Comstock place, which lies on the Mineral Spring Turnpike, near
the Moshassuck River. The Esten farm joined the Comstock place on
the south, and was settled by Thomas Esten, from Wales. Nine generations
have occupied the old homestead, which bears date of erection in 1680.
This date-stone was placed in the chimney, as was the custom in those early
times, and is the only relic that remains of this ancient domicile, and
is in the possession of Cornelius Esten, who resides in the mansion on
the old Comstock place, which was erected about 1797. Roger Williams
was a frequent visitor to this old homestead. This farm was originally
owned by Ezekial Holliman and subsequently by Abel Potter. Eseck
Esten died in 1823, and left valuable memoranda of places and events, to
which, as also Rev. Dr. Benedict's works, we are indebted for much valuable
information.

The old Sayles place lay near by, and the old house is now occupied
by J. Sayles Pidge, into whose possession it came through his mother, who
was a Sayles. Jeremiah Sayles kept, at one time, a hotel here, and
it is said that General Lafayette encamped near here with his army, and
was accustomed to get his meals at this public house. The old-fashioned
fireplaces are still to be seen, and recall to memory many pleasing reminiscences.
This is among the oldest landmarks in the town, and the frame remains to-day
in a remarkable degree of preservation. Joseph Jencks purchased sixty
acres, of the Widow Mowry of Plymouth, in 1655, which gave to him the water-power
on the Rhode Island side of the river. He preserved the timber from
destruction, having been impressed with the fatal results of this wholesale
slaughter of the forests during his sojourn at Lynn, Mass. On Pleasant
Street, formerly on the old Neck road, on the old Comstock farm, which
is now cut up into small parcels, resides Mrs. John T. Kenyon. The
old homestead was erected in 1774, as the date on the chimney indicates.
This tract of land comprised about one hundred acres, but is now cut up
into several different parcels. Woodlawn in the western suburb of
Pawtucket. The old mansion formerly owned by Peter Thornley, stands
where it was built over a hundred years ago, on the corner of Lonsdale
Avenue and Thornley Street. It was built by a Mr. Shreive.

On the opposite side of the street from the old house is the old riding-park,
now in disuse. Another old place was that built by Eseck Esten, in
1750. It was located upon the present site of George A. Kenyon's
house, on the west side of Lonsdale Avenue. It was the home of three
generations of Estens. Deacon Eseck Esten was the first man to peddle
milk in the city of Providence, being engaged in this business as early
as 1810. On Pleasant Street, adjoining the Riverside Cemetery on
the north, and running from the Pawtucket River (or Seekonk as it was formerly
called) on the east, to the old Neck road, or the present Pleasant Street
on the west, and running far enough north to make about fifteen acres of
land, is the old Benchley (incorrectly spelled Bensley) place.

This tract was occupied at first by Davis the Hermit. This house
stood at high water-mark, about six rods south of Benchley Point.
This eccentric old man lived here a very retired life, in a little house
reared by himself, about fifteen feet square. Among his eccentricities
was that of preparing for his death by making a coffin, which he kept in
readiness for that event. To economize room, he used this burial-case
for the storing of beans, of which it was said he raised large quantities.
He was an English-man by birth, and moved to Boston, where he left means
for his support. He died and was buried near St. John's Church in
Providence. From him the land passed to the Jenckes. It subsequently
passed into the hands of Samuel Benchley, about 1804. The place was
used for a hospital as early as 1790, and Mrs. Benchley, then Polly Peck
Bucklin, was a patient and nurse. The site was selected for its fine
scenery, excellent water, and healthy location.

Before we pass from this side of the river, mention must be made of
an antiquated building located at 177 Main Street. It is now owned
and occupied by Miss Emily Jones. This house was built in 1677, and
is one of the oldest buildings now standing in Pawtucket. It was
erected by Colonel Eleazer Jencks, who occupied it for some time, when
it came into the possession of the Wilkinson family. From them it
passed to Mary D. Jones, and has since remained in the possession of this
family. This was also the home of a very remarkable man, whose daring
exploits were a wonder to the age in which he lived.

No history of Pawtucket would be complete without at least a brief mention
of 'Sam Patch', the jumpist. He was born at Marblehead, Mass., about
1796, and came to Pawtucket in the early part of the present century, and
was a mule-spinner in a cotton-mill that once occupied the site of the
mill now owned by Thurber, Horton & Wood, at Central Falls. He
was a remarkable athlete and rivalled all his associates in jumping and
many other sports. He became more and more daring in his feats, and
having successfully jumped from the bridge, a distance of some twenty-five
feet, and also from a mill five stories high, a wager was made and accepted
by him to jump the Genesee Falls, at Rochester, N. Y. He was successful
in this attempt, and won the wager. He afterwards performed the daring
feat of jumping the Niagara Falls, and several other equally hazardous
achievements. His fame became world-wide and he was the wonder of
the age. But his career was destined to a speedy and tragic termination.
Returning to the scene of his former success, he again attempted to jump
the Genesee Falls. He made the fatal leap which resulted in his death.
This terminated the career of this man, who, like thousands of other, have
sacrificed home, friends, and life itself to gratify the morbid curiosity
of the populace, and gain their momentary applause.

We pass now to the east side of the river, and find ourselves on the
bank of Ten-Mile River, at a point where the Daggett road crosses the river,
being the extension of Brook Street. John Daggett, an Englishman,
settled here upon a tract originally containing about four hundred acres,
in 1680. The homestead building stood a few rods southeast from the
present one, which bears date on the wall, of 1700. The place has
been in possession of the family since its settlement, and is now occupied
by Hannah Daggett. The place adjoining, on the west, was what is
known as the Hutton place, and is in possession of John Hyde. The
Oliver Bucklin farm joined on the west, and extended to the Pawtucket River.
From the falls, running in an easterly direction towards Bucklin Brook,
was a cow or bridle path. This was undoubtedly the road that led
to the old grist-mill and the good fishing rocks, at an early date, and
was the only exit from the town in an easterly direction, until the opening
of the present Walcott Street. The Bucklins were, from early times,
noted for being great land-owners, from Bucklin Island downward.
The Pawtucket lands are supposed to have descended to Joseph Bucklin, who,
undoubtedly, built the old stone-chimney house, near Hammond's Pond.
This whole tract was styled the Bucklin farm and this pond derived its
name from Samuel Hammond, and is now owned by the Dunnell Manufacturing
Company, it being raised or dammed, for the purpose of forming a reservoir.
Mr. Hammond owned land adjoining, and had a residence located upon its
banks, which was built about 1790. The brook running into this pond
is called Bucklin Brook, and derives its name from the early settlers by
that name.

The first improvements made upon this brook were by Mr. Fitz, who polished
gravestones by water-power. He constructed a dam across the stream,
at or near where the Dunnell Print-works are now located. The Taunton
road over the Ten-Mile River, about two and a half miles from the present
granite bridge in Pawtucket, is what was early known as Kent's Mills, but
it now bears the name of Lebanonville. This was first settled by
a family by the name of Kent. They improved the water-power, and
erected a grist and saw-mill, which was subsequently converted into a cotton-mill,
which passed into hands of the Pawtucket Bank, in 1843. A blacksmith-shop
was also located here in the early part of the present century, and conducted
by one Perry. He was killed at Perrin's Crossing, on the Boston and
Providence Railroad, some years ago; his son succeeded him, and finally
converted the shop into a hame [sic] factory. Mr. W. Gardner located
a broom factory here a few years ago, and is now doing a lucrative business.
A store on the Massachusetts side of the river is of recent date, and stands
near the site of the old Kent homestead.

Between this place and Pawtucket was once the famous Seekonk Plains.
Here many sportsmen used to resort and test their skill in shooting plover.
It is now, however, laid out into pleasant streets, and many fine buildings
adorn this once forsaken and almost worthless tract. These plains
were early used as a pasture for sheep, and large flocks were herded here.
Here, also, was located the old race-track, that was a source of annoyance
to many of the early mill-owners, inasmuch as every time a race was announced,
which was not unfrequently, their help were accustomed to leave their duties
and repair to the grounds to join in the sports and excitement of the race.
They however devised a plan to put a stop to these pastimes, by taking
a number of teams and plows and plowing up the track, thus effectually
removing this source of their difficulties.

In 1839, Mr. John W. Ashton, foreseeing the future advantages to be
derived from the occupancy of such a tract, in so close proximity to such
a growing and thriving town as Pawtucket, purchased a considerable portion
of the tract now in the vicinity of the town farm. At this time,
there were but three houses on the plains. Mr. Ashton at one time
offered to donate to the town a piece of land sixty feet wide, for the
laying out of a street known as Brook Street; but the offer at the time
was rejected by the town. They however laid out a street, irregular
in form, and but thirty feet wide. This was thought, at the time,
to be of sufficient dimensions for all practicable purposes. Their
oversight, however, soon became apparent, and in the summer of 1877 the
town was obliged to expend five hundred dollars for the privilege of widening
and straightening this thoroughfare. A few years hence the traveller
over this rapidly developing plain will find no traces of this once barren
and worthless tract; and could the old settler, long since departed, return
to the scenes of his early adventure, the surprise at the first view would
be lost in the amazement that succeeded it.

Communications.
Successive steps, facilitating travel between other towns and villages,
have, in a great measure, enhanced values, and proved favorable to the
town of Pawtucket and the surrounding villages. The earliest effort
to improve highways was the construction of bridges over the river and
the various streams flowing though the town. It was more than half
a century after the settlement of the western village before a bridge was
built across the river. The population being small, they lacked the
means with which to erect a suitable structure, and the quantity of water
in the Blackstone at this early date was less regular than now, and the
stream was easily forded just below the falls, in summer, while in winter,
the ice formed a free bridge. But as the town increased, and the
facilities of trade widened, the subject of a passageway over the river
began to be agitated, and the Colony of Rhode Island invited Massachusetts
to join her in providing a thoroughfare that should increase the convenience
of travel, and thus enhance the business interests of the two towns.

The legislature of the latter Colony, in 1712, took into consideration
the subject of building a bridge in connection with the Rhode Island Colony,
and, on the 29th of May, they made the following report: 'We are
humbly of the opinion, that a place called Pawtucket Falls near the Iron
works on said river, is the most suitable place to erect said bridge, and
when built [it] may be of benefit of some parts of the Province, especially
it will be of service for travelling into the Narragansett country, Connecticut,
and New York at all times of the year, particularly in the winter season,
when by rising of the water and great quantity of ice coming down the river
it is very difficult and hazardous, which if there be a bridge, will make
travelling more easy and safe.'

Accordingly the first bridge was erected in 1713, the expense of which
was shared by both Colonies. Other bridges have been built from time
to time. But as the subject of bridges is treated elsewhere more
fully, we forbear further mention of these structures. Some of the
early settlers regretted their removal to a point so distant from the main
channels of travel and communication, and little thought that along the
valley of the Blackstone the railway would bear the tide of immigration,
and the burdens of a growing commerce. The earliest public conveyance
was a stage-coach running from Providence to Boston. Thomas Sabin
was the first to open a stage-route, and he generally went but once a week.
After him came a Mr. Robert Currey, and, succeeding him, was Samuel Whipple.
This was a slow and tedious way to journey, and if they succeeded in getting
through by daylight, they thought it was doing remarkably well. In
1783, they began to run the stage between Providence and Boston twice a
week. In 1823, the public demand became so great, that they began
to run a local conveyance between Pawtucket and Providence. Horace
Field was the first man to run such a conveyance, but was soon after succeeded
by Simon Arnold, who continued to transport passengers between the above-named
places for several years. At a somewhat later period Mr. Abraham
H. Adams established a coach running between Pawtucket and Providence,
making his trips twice a day. In August, 1836, Messrs. Wetherell
& Bennett established a line of omnibuses, and continued to run them
for many years. In June, 1854, Sterry Fry bought the line, and continued
to run them until superseded by the horse-cars. In May, 1864, Mr.
Hiram H. Thomas completed his arrangements, and the horse-cars began running.

Some time before the omnibuses were taken from the road, and before
the horse-cars began to run, the Providence and Worcester Railroad was
built, and formed a rival for the local passenger-travel. In 1847,
the first engine, bearing the name of Lonsdale, attached to a general train,
passed through Pawtucket, and a new era in the transportation of freight
and passengers, was at hand. The regular passenger-trains commenced
running October 25, of the same year, and thus communication was facilitated,
and the low rates of fare on the Providence and Worcester Railroad afforded
great convenience to all classes of citizens. The Boston and Providence
Railroad was constructed in 1835, and afterwards a branch-road was built
from Pawtucket to East Junction, and trains began running in March, 1848.
This has since become part of the main trunk. The Stonington steamboat
train began running through Pawtucket on the first of May, 1848, and the
regular passenger trains on the Boston and Providence Railroad, commenced
running on June 12 of the same year. There are at present some sixty-three
passenger, and fifteen freight trains passing through this town daily.
A branch road having been constructed from Valley Falls to East Providence,
which carried freight to deep water, and receives it therefrom, has lessened
the number of regular freight trains that formerly passed through the town.

A road has just been completed, starting from the main track of the
Providence and Worcester Railroad, between Pawtucket and Providence, and,
following the valley, enters upon the grounds of the Messrs. Sayles' extensive
bleachery, who built this entire road. The effect of the construction
of these roads has been to materially lessen the price of coal, wood, and
many other products, while they not only afford a pleasant and speedy transit
for passengers, but a convenient conveyance for the transportation of the
products of the many manufactories located within the boundaries of the
town.

Organization of Pawtucket, Town Meetings, Officers, &c.
The present town of Pawtucket is situated in the northeast part of
the State, and lies on both sides of the Blackstone River. It is
bounded on the north by Lincoln and Massachusetts; on the east by Massachusetts;
on the south by East Providence and Providence; on the west by North Providence
and Lincoln. The surface of this township is uneven, consisting of
moderate elevations and gentle declivities. The rocks are primitive,
and some limestone is found. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam,
which is interspersed with tracts of sandy loam, and some of a calcareous
nature. The forests consist of some oak, walnut, and pine.
Its agricultural products are grass, hay, corn, rye, potatoes, vegetables,
and fruits, the latter of which are especially grown and raised for the
Providence market.

This town is noted for its manufactures, particularly those of cotton,
which form an important branch of industry. The extent of this business
having concentrated a large capital, and an immense aggregate of industry,
has given rise to the large and flourishing village known as Pawtucket.
The river here affords numerous water-privileges which are scarcely rivalled,
for manufacturing establishments of almost every description, and which
are to-day largely occupied. This rapid growth of manufacturing and
mechanical industries has few examples in this country, and has produced
one of the most flourishing manufacturing towns in the State. That
part of the town lying on the east side of the Blackstone, was, for a long
period of time, a part of Massachusetts; while the portion lying upon the
west side of the river has always been a part of the State of Rhode Island,
and, for a century or more, was known as the village of Pawtucket, in the
town of North Providence.

Before proceeding further with the history of the town of Pawtucket,
it will be necessary to go back, and give a brief review of the organization
of the towns of North Providence and Seekonk, of which this town formed
an integral part up to 1828, that we may be able to better understand the
causes that led to the division, and the separate incorporation of the
new town of Pawtucket. The original territory of Providence comprised
a large tract, and the continual controversies in regard to boundary
lines, and the inconveniences attending the going to and from the numerous
town-meetings, by many residing in the outskirts of this extensive territory,
and the clashing of interests of the different sections, all combined to
arouse a feeling of dissatisfaction upon the part of the original proprietors,
and a desire for separate town organizations. In order, therefore,
to remedy these fast-increasing difficulties, the formation of new towns
became a necessity, and the territory of Providence was greatly limited.
Several new towns were set off and incorporated as separate townships.
Smithfield, Glocester, and Scituate were cut off in 1731; and Cranston
and Johnston in 1754 and 1759.

In February, 1765, a petition was sent to the General Assembly, praying
for a still further division, and the town of North Providence was soon
after formed, embracing the territory known as the fields of Pawtucket.
In the course of a few years a village grew up along the western bank of
the river, and bore the name of Pawtucket. On the eastern side of
the river was the town of Rehoboth, and it was here in this territory that
Roger Williams first settled after his flight from Massachusetts.
But soon finding that he was still within the bounds of the Plymouth Patent,
he crossed the river and began a new settlement, which he called Providence,
in recognition of that Divine Power that had thus shielded him from the
persecutions of his enemies. In 1812, the town of Rehoboth was divided,
and the town of Seekonk became incorporated as a separate and distinct
township.

In due time, however, the diversity of interests arising from the rapid
growth of manufacturing and mechanical industry, rendered it necessary
to divide the town of Seekonk, and accordingly the new town was passed
and called Pawtucket. The act incorporating the new town was passed
Feb. 29, 1828. The act provided that 'The northwest part of the town
of Seekonk, within the following lines, namely, beginning at a bend of
the Seekonk River, about forty rods from the mouth of Beverage Brook, so
called, thence running a due east course till it strikes the Ten Mile River,
so called, thence by said river till it comes to the Attleborough line,
including the island of which Kent's factory is situated, also the bridge
a few rods north of said Kent's factory; thence westerly on the Attleborough
line, till it comes to the Rhode Island line; thence southerly on said
Rhode Island line, till it comes to the first corner, with all the inhabitants
living thereon, be incorporated into a town by the name of Pawtucket.'

The first town-meeting under this incorporation was held on March 17,
1828, in Rev. Mr. Greene's meeting-house. Oliver Starkweather, Esq.,
was chosen the first Moderator, James C. Starkweather was chosen Clerk,
and William Allen, Treasurer. Messrs. David Buckin, Elijah Ingraham,
and Remember Kent were elected Selectmen. At this time the population
of the town was about 1,458, as shown from a census taken two years afterward
by authority of the General Assembly. For years this town belonged
in part to Massachusetts, but its growth in population and the constant
increasing of its business interest, seemed to call for a union of the
two sections. The inhabitants of both States cherished a certain
degree of pride, and many little local jealousies often occasioned a feeling
of unfriendliness, and in spite of the many advantages to be derived by
a union of the two sections, their consolidation was a matter of considerable
doubt for many years. At last, however, the long-standing dispute
between the two States, in regard to their boundary lines, was amicably
adjusted in 1861, and the town of Pawtucket was ceded to Rhode Island.
Soon afterwards the remaining territory of North Providence was subjected
to dismemberment, and the people of both towns, by a majority vote, decided
to annex one portion to the city of Providence, and the other to Pawtucket.
The portion assigned to Pawtucket is as follows:

'Beginning at a point in the centre of the Blackstone River, being the
southeasterly corner of the town of Lincoln, and the northeasterly corner
of the town of North Providence; and running thence westerly on and with
the line dividing said towns of Lincoln and North Providence, to a point
on said line eighteen hundred feet west of the east line of the Smithfield
turnpike; thence southerly on a straight line to a point on the line
dividing the city of Providence and the town of North Providence,
as hereinbefore provided, eighteen hundred feet, measured on said line,
westerly of the east line of said Smithfield turnpike; thence along said
boundary line, and following the same, to the centre of the Seekonk River;
thence along the centre of said river, to the place of beginning.'

This act took effect May 1, A. D. 1874, and under this new incorporation
the town elected the following members of the town council: Olney
Arnold, Claudius B. Farnsworth, John F. Adams, William T. Adams, William
H. Haskell, James L. Pierce, and Henry B. Metcalf. General Arnold
was elected President, Lewis Pearce, Town Clerk, and George W. Newell,
Treasurer. In 1875, the same officers were re-elected, Mr. Metcalf,
however, resigning his position before the close of the year. In
1876, a new town-council was chosen, consisting of the following named
gentlemen: Isaac Shove, William D. S. Havens, Jude Taylor, Francis
Conlin, William H. Haskell, James L. Pierce, and Edwin A. Grout.
President, Isaac Shove; Town Clerk, Lewis Pearce; Treasurer, George W.
Newell. At the time of the consolidation of the two towns, the population
of the new town of Pawtucket was about nineteen thousand. Present
board of town councilmen are: Isaac Shove, William R. Walker, Francis
Conlin, Darius Goff, William D. S. Havens, George L. Littlefield, Joseph
E. Dispeau. Town Clerk, Lewis Pearce; Town Treasurer, George W. Newell.

Early Manufactories and Mills.
Bishop, in his 'History of Manufactures', says, that 'manufacture of
iron, including bar and sheet iron, nail-rods and nails, farming implements,
stoves, pots, and other castings, and household utensils, iron-works for
shipbuilders, anchors and bells, formed the largest branch of productive
industry in Rhode Island toward the close of the eighteenth century.
A slitting-mill was built on one of the branches of the Providence River.
Another slitting and rolling mill, three anchor-forges, two nail-cutting
machines, and several other mills and factories carried on by water, were
soon after erected at Pawtucket Falls. A screw-cutting machine, hollow-ware
furnace, and several forges were also in operation.' We have already
seen that iron formed the principal product of manufacture from the very
earliest settlement of this territory, and up to the close of the last
century was emphatically king in Pawtucket. The Jenckes, the Wilkinson,
and many others, engaged largely in the manufacture of iron tools, and
machinery of various kinds, in the early history of the town of North Providence,
in which was located the thriving village of Pawtucket. After the
successful innovations of Mr. Slater and Eli Whitney, cotton became the
rival product, and was soon destined to supersede the manufacture
of iron. The machines for spinning cotton, invented by Slater &
Brown, were found to work satisfactorily, and the perfected machines were
set up in a mill erected near the southwest abutment of the bridge that
once spanned the Pawtucket. Here, in this mill, with this rude and
simple machinery, was commenced the first spinning of cotton in the United
States. The bridge has long since been demolished, and the old mill
was washed away in the great freshet of 1807. A second mill was erected
in 1793, on what is known as Mill Street, and bears the name of the Old
Slater Mill. It has been enlarged and improved from its original
size. This is the oldest cotton-mill in America. The second
mill was built in the town of Cumberland by Elisha Waterman, and was located
on what is known as Abbott's Run, opposite the site now occupied by the
Cumberland Mills. In 1793, a slitting-mill was built by Oziel Wilkinson,
and in the same year a grist-mill was erected by Thomas Arnold.

Pawtucket claims not only the honor of producing the first cotton-mill
in the United States, but the first flouring-mill within the borders of
her own State. The success attending Mr. Slater's inventions, stimulated
this new enterprise of cotton manufactures, and soon others began to look
about for suitable locations and privileges, and, in course of time, several
cotton-mills were in process of construction. In 1799, the second
cotton-mill in this town was erected by Oziel Wilkinson and his three sons-in-law,
Samuel Slater, Timothy Greene, and William Wilkinson, under the firm name
of Samuel Slater & Co., as appears from an advertisement under date
of July 30, 1801. Timothy Greene, of the above firm, originally engaged
in the manufacture of shoes, and also added a tannery to his business,
as appears from a record made by one of his workmen at the time.
He says that during the time he was in his employ, 'we grouned [sic] 200
cords of bark per year, Tanned 1,000 hides and fulled 1,500 for other parties.'

As early as 1791, Mr. Oziel Wilkinson built an air-furnace for casting
iron, and it is said that in this furnace was cast the first wing-gudgeons
known in America, and which were applied to the Slater mill. David
Wilkinson and some others set up a furnace, and were the first to cast
cannon solid. They were bored out by water-power, the drill remaining
stationary while the cannon revolved. To Pawtucket, also, belongs
the credit of producing cannon solid. Dr. Dwight, in his travels
in 1810, remarks: --
'There is no place in New England, of the same extent, in which the
same quantity or variety of manufacturing business is carried on.
In the year 1796, there were here three anchor-forges, one tanning-mill,
one flouring-mill, one slitting-mill, three snuff-mills, one oil-mill,
three fulling-mills, and clothiers' works, one cotton-factory, two machines
for cutting nails, one furnace for casting hollow-ware, -- all moved by
water; one machine for cutting screws, -- moved by a horse; and several
forges for smiths' work.'

Thus at this early period, we find Pawtucket in the vanguard of manufacturing
interests, and through all the vicissitudes of time, the adversities of
trade, and revulsions in business, she has steadily kept pace with the
march of events, and to-day finds her in the front line of manufacturing
towns in the State. Early in the present century, one John Field,
a clock-maker, commenced the casting of brass, and had his shop in the
anchor-forge or shop of the elder Wilkinson. Nathaniel Croade, Major
Ebenezer Tyler, Oliver Starkweather, Benjamin Walcott, Eliphalet Slack,
Dr. Billings, and some others, formed themselves into a company, known
as the cotton and oil company, having purchased the oil-mill formerly conducted
by Mr. Hugh Kennedy. In 1805, they built what was known as the yellow
mill; and in 1813, erected the stone mill. The freshet of 1807 swept
away a large portion of these structures, situated on the forge lot, but
steps were taken to immediately rebuild them. Elezer Jencks and his
sons built the forge-shop; Pardon and Jabez Jencks built the carding-room;
and Moses Jancks erected the grist-mill. The basement of the carding-machine
building was used for a fulling and snuff mill, while the first floor was
used for carding wool. The clothiers' shop was on the corner of Main
Street and Jencks Avenue; the basement was used for a coloring-shop; the
first floor was used for dressing cloth. Pardon and Jabez Jencks
ran the whole business, until the death of Jabez, which occurred in 1817.
It was subsequently carried on by other parties until 1821, when
it was discontinued, and the building was resigned to trade.

The war with Great Britain, in 1812, while it prostrated commerce and
kindred enterprises, enhanced the manufacturing industries of this State,
and a fresh impetus was given to cotton manufacturing, and many other branches
of trade. In 1810, Oziel Wilkinson built another mill, which is now
standing on Mill Street, and is known as the Lefavour Mill. Owing
to this fresh impetus in the manufacturing interests of the State, several
new cotton-mills were erected, the first of which was built by Wilkinson
& Greene, in 1813, and is now occupied by the Dexter Brothers.
Another mill is said to have been built in the same year, south of the
bridge that crossed the Pawtucket. Kent's Factory was also about
this time converted into a cotton-mill.

Subsequently, and during the war, Pardon and Jabez Jencks erected another
mill, which was called at a later period the Buffington Mill. This
mill was first occupied by Major Tyler. Mr. Taft occupied it next,
but was succeeded by Mr. Buffington in 1821, from whom it derived its later
name. He engaged in the manufacture of cloth, and ran the mill up
to 1844, when it was destroyed by fire. In 1813, Mr. Larned Pitcher
began the machinist's trade, and soon thereafter Messrs. Hovey & Arnold
became associated with him, and their first place of business was in the
new mill on the west side of the river; but they shortly afterwards removed
to what was called the yellow mill. A Mr. Gay became a partner in
1819, the other parties having previously retired, and the business was
conducted under the firm name of Pitcher & Gay. This Mr. Gay
invented a dresser, and also a speeder. He subsequently removed to
Nashua, and the business was thereafter conducted by the well-known firm
of Pitcher & Brown, and continued until 1842. In 1814, a man
by the name of John Thorp, invented a power-loom, to take the place of
the old hand-press. This machine was rude in its construction,
and was soon superseded by a more complete instrument. Mr. William
Gilmore had been at work at Slatersville, and had, while there, attempted
to introduce the Scotch loom. This, like Mr. Slater's invention,
was but a reproduction of a machine already in use in the old country.
The proposition received unfavorable attention, until Judge Lyman, of North
Providence, took the matter in hand, and prevailed upon Mr. Gilmore to
make the experiment in his mill. The attempt was made, but from some
cause or other, the loom did not work satisfactorily. The inventive
genius of David Wilkinson was brought to bear upon the subject, and his
practiced eye soon discovered the trouble, and he at once set about rectifying
it, which he accomplished, and in 1817 the loom was perfected, and a new
era in cotton manufacturing began. This newly invented power-loom
worked successfully, and hundreds of manufacturers for miles about came
to inspect this wonder of the age.

From the successful introduction of this machine, were laid the foundations
of thousands of enterprising and thriving manufacturing villages that are
scattered within the borders of New England. With the introduction
of cotton spinning, came also the necessity of some process for bleaching
the yarn; consequently the necessity was provided for, but in a somewhat
novel and primitive manner. All that tract of land adjoining the
old Slater mill, and lying between Mill Street and the Blackstone, was
converted into a bleaching-meadow. Stakes were drives into the ground,
and skeins of cotton were stretched from one to the other, while the cloth
was spread upon the ground. A large number of persons, usually
women, would then take sprinkling pots or pails, and sprinkle the fabrics
thus exposed, when, with the application of the drying-sticks, the yarn
and cloth assumed a whiter hue. This was a slow process, as it depended
a good deal upon the weather; often a long storm, or a protracted period
of dull and cloudy weather, would prevent the successful operation of this
mode of bleaching. 'Mother Cole', as she is familiarly known, was
the manager of this novel bleachery, and her fame is transmitted to the
present generation, by the part she took in these primitive operations.
Could the old lady return to earth, and pay a visit to the magnificent
bleachery at Moshassuck, the thrill of wonderment at the first view, would
be lost in the amazement that succeeded it.

The general appearance of this town at the commencement of the present
century must have been indeed rude and primitive, when compared with the
extensive improvements of the present. There were then but fifty
or sixty houses, and these were scattered upon both sides of the river,
and, 'like angels' visits, few and far between'. Dr. Benedict, in
his historical sketches, gives a graphic description of the appearance
of this town when he first visited it, which was in 1804. The only
street then on the eastern side of the river was the old road that ran
past the Slack Tavern, and out to what is now called North Bend.
The main road ran toward Boston, and past the Dolly Sabine Tavern, while
a branch led off to the south and run to what is now called South Bend.
This street now forms what is known as Main and Walcott streets.
On the western side of the river the street now known as Main Street, from
the bridge upward, was in those times a low and miry place, and at certain
seasons of the year was almost impassable. A large portion of the
street was a mere ravine, through which ran a brook. This stream
at present is made smaller than then, and runs beneath the surface.
Quaker Lane comprised what is now known as East Avenue, from its junction
with Main Street, and until quite recently it bore the name of Pleasant
Street. This old Quaker Lane was a low and miry place, and in the
spring and fall quite impassable. What is now Mill Street was but
a narrow land, leading to Slater's Mill. High Street was not laid
out at all beyond where the high school building now stands, and even that
was but poorly cared for.

There was but one meeting-house, and it occupied a site near where now
stands the First Baptist Church. The old red school-house was among
the edifices of this early period, and stood not far from the old meeting-house.
This old school-building formed the nucleus of all public gatherings, and
doubtless many scenes have been enacted here, the record of which, if preserved,
would be of interest to the present inhabitants. The population was
but limited and the facilities for business small, when compared with the
present. Thus is briefly sketched some of the pioneer establishments.
We have found their record honorable, and the town of Pawtucket may feel
a just pride in her manufacturing interests, not only for their past reputation
but their present excellence.

Taverns and Hotels.
The nucleus of a village was always a tavern, a mill, or a store, and
in general all these were pretty thoroughly occupied. In these days
we are very liable to undervalue country taverns. In a newly settled
country they are usually the pioneers, and oftentimes the house of the
first settler becomes, of necessity, an inn or lodging-place for the weary
traveller. As settlement increases and travel extends, the tavern
becomes a place where gather the seller and buyer, and becomes, as it were,
a real estate office, in which transactions are made, land bought or sold,
and various other kinds of property transferred one to another. The
scarcity of newspapers, and the lack of a post-office, not unfrequently
render the country tavern the centre of information for those who are shut
out from tidings of the world by a residence in the interior, far away
from the busy marts of trade. Town meetings are often held here,
and thus brought into communications with each other, the facilities for
general information are increased. Tables of population may indicate
growth of numbers, but lineal history deals in specialties.

We begin with taverns which had an early existence, and base our record
upon the most authentic sources in our possession. Tradition tells
of an old tavern that once stood on the western side of the Blackstone
River, close to the old ford. It afforded entertainment to many a
traveller in those early days, and doubtless many scenes were enacted there
that would be of historical interest to the present, had they been preserved
in the annals of tradition. Another of these ancient public houses
stood near the present site of the extensive machine-shops now occupied
and owned by Captain Brown. It bore the name of Martin House.
It was originally built for a private residence, by one Captain Comstock,
but it subsequently was converted into a tavern and was presided over by
a Mr. Constant Martin. The sign placed in front of the house consisted
of two posts, between which was suspended the portrait of Oliver Cromwell,
and it was often jocosely remarked that 'Martin has hung the Protector'.
This old place has long since passed away, and the memory of the old house
has perished from the present generation. Still another tavern, although
of later date, stood on the corner of Main and Broad streets, opposite
the present fine and commodious Benedict House. The old building,
or at least a portion of the old building, is now standing. It has
been overhauled and repaired so often that it has lost much of its original
appearance. Enough yet remains, however, to impress one with the
antiquity of its architecture. It was built by the Rev. Maturin Ballou,
father of the Rev. Hosea Ballou, a prominent clergyman of the Universalist
denomination. This house was in use during the Revolution, and was
kept also by Mr. Martin.

On the corner of the present High Street, David Ballou built a public
house, which was occupied as a tavern for many years. It was subsequently
removed and a building erected, known as the Lefavour Block. Mr.
David Wilkinson also built a hotel, in 1813, at the corner of Main and
Mill streets, and it was occupied as a place for public entertainment for
nearly a half-century. These places were all upon the west side of
the river.

We now pass to the east side and find the hotel occupied by Colonel
Slack. It was situated on the side of the rectory of Trinity Church, and
was quite a noted place in those early days. It afforded entertainment
to many a distinguished guest, as well as to the humble traveller.
Washington and his suite, it is said, received entertainment here when
on their way to Boston; and here, too, the patriot Lafayette found shelter
when on his way to New York. About the commencement of the present
century, Colonel Slack erected the hotel now standing on Broadway, and
occupied it for many years as a public house. The Dolly Sabine House
is another ancient edifice in which the weary traveller could always find
a good supper, and a comfortable night's lodging. Two sisters, named
respectively Dolly and Molly Sabine, removed from Providence and bought
this property in the early part of the present century, made some extensive
improvements, and opened it as a public house. It had a spacious
garden, which was adorned with choice fruit and flowers, and thus attracted
much company. The old house still stands, and although the once genial
hostess has long since departed, her name and memory are embalmed in the
many pleasant reminiscences of this ancient edifice.

Of the present hotels, the Benedict House is by far the most prominent
and popular. This splendid edifice was erected in 1871 by a company,
and is at present presided over by the genial and very courteous proprietor,
Mr. Bailey. It is a fine and commodious building, having forty rooms
for the accommodation of guests, all of which are large and well-ventilated,
and furnished and fitted up with all the modern improvements. This
is said to be one of the best hotels in the State. Horse-cars pass
the door every fifteen minutes, and it is less than two minutes' walk to
the Providence and Worcester Railroad depot, from which trains run to the
city every half-hour. In connection with this hotel is a fine shaving
and hair-dressing establishment, conducted by the very gentlemanly proprietor,
Mr. Christian Kollet. Mr. Kollet is an excellent workman, and keeps
everything in connection with his business, usually found in a first-class
tonsorial establishment.

Post-offices and Mails.
The first post-office in Pawtucket was established in the year 1806,
with Otis Tiffany as postmaster. He held the position from 1806 until
1831. He was succeeded by a Mr. David Benedict, whose term of service
extended over a space of some thirteen years, or until 1844.
He was also succeeded by Mr. Frederick A. Sumner, who held the office until
1849. From 1849 to 1853 it was under the management of Thomas Lefavour.
He was succeeded by Mr. Joseph T. Sisson, who occupied the position until
1858. Charles A. Leonard succeeded him, retiring in 1861. Charles
E. Chickering held the office from 1861 until 1865, when the present incumbent
succeeded him, and continues in its possession up to the present time,
a fact that speaks well, not only for his integrity and business qualifications,
but his popularity as postmaster.

Although it was always the Pawtucket post-office, it was kept in the
town of North Providence until 1874, when consolidation took place.
Mr. Perrin, the present incumbent, is the only citizen of the town of Pawtucket
that has ever been appointed to the position of postmaster. When
Mr. Perrin took the office, in 1865, there was but one mail daily to New
York, two to Boston, two to Providence, and one to Worcester. There
were then but six hundred boxes, while there are now some thirteen hundred
in the new office. Twenty-two mails are received and despatched at
this office daily. The average number of letters sent out fro this
office daily, is seventeen hundred; while the average number received daily,
is about eighteen hundred. This office, in all of its departments,
is conducted with a wise economy, and, under the management of its gentlemanly
head, together with his courteous and obliging assistants, this institution
has a destiny of success in the future.